Wiki Definition
DoDEA Standards definition

From the DoDEA:
Standards-based education is a process for planning, delivering, monitoring and improving academic programs in which clearly defined academic content standards provide the basis for content in instruction and assessment.
  • Standards help ensure students learn what is important, rather than allowing textbooks to dictate classroom practice.
  • Student learning is the focus - aiming for a high and deep level of student understanding that goes beyond traditional textbook-based or lesson-based instruction.

For Teachers:
  • - Use standards to design instruction and assessment
  • - Use rubrics and other methods to clearly communicate student expectations.
  • - Provide feedback to help students improve performance
  • - Use teaching methods that suit the individual student's needs.
  • - Communicate progress towards the achievement of standards
For Students:
  • - Use self-assessment and reflection to improve performance
  • - Take responsibility for their own learning.
  • - Communicate progress towards the achievement of standards


Education reform in the United States started in 1983, when A Nation At Risk was published.

From the Department of Education-Standards Aligned System is a collaborative product of research and good practice that identifies six distinct elements which, if utilized together, will provide schools and districts a common framework for continuous school and district enhancement and improvement.


Safe & Supportive Schools-provides resources so students can learn in a safe and secure environment
Standards-explains what a student should know from what the teacher has taught them
Assessment-resources for testing, scoring and interpreting student evaluations to increase student success
Curriculum framework-outlines to guide teachers on what topics to teach, based on grade levels and subject of interest
Instruction-responsibilities of the teacher that include planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilites
Material & Resources-resources for teachers that include lesson plans and guides for what students should know in each grade